How to Make Pumpkin Applesauce Dog Treats
Quick answer: Yes, you can make healthy pumpkin applesauce dog treats at home with just a few pantry ingredients. Mix 1 cup plain pumpkin puree, 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce, and about 2 1/2 cups flour into a firm dough, roll and cut it, then bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes until firm. That's the whole recipe. Below I'll walk through the details, the health benefits, and how these homemade treats fit alongside the single-ingredient chews we make here at Bully Sticks Central.
I'm Preston Smith, co-founder of Bully Sticks Central. Baked treats like these are a fun weekend project, and they pair well with the natural chews my family relies on every day.
Are pumpkin and applesauce good for dogs?
Both are dog-friendly in moderation. Plain canned pumpkin is a well-known source of soluble fiber, which is why veterinarians often suggest a spoonful to help with mild digestive upset. According to the American Kennel Club, plain pumpkin (not pie filling) is safe and can support digestion. Unsweetened applesauce adds natural sweetness, a little vitamin C, and extra fiber, and the AKC notes apples are a healthy treat for dogs when the core and seeds are removed.
Two rules keep these treats safe. Use pure pumpkin puree, never pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugar and spices like nutmeg that aren't good for dogs. And use unsweetened applesauce with no added sugar or artificial sweeteners. Xylitol, a sweetener found in some "sugar-free" products, is toxic to dogs, so always check the label. The ASPCA keeps a helpful list of foods to avoid.
Pumpkin applesauce dog treat recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (100% pumpkin, not pie filling)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour (or a gluten-free flour if your dog is sensitive)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, combine the pumpkin puree and applesauce.
- Gradually mix in the flour and cinnamon until the dough is firm.
- Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
- Cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
- Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes.
- Let them cool completely before serving.
How should I store them?
Keep the treats in an airtight container for up to a week, or freeze them for up to three months. Because they're homemade with no preservatives, refrigeration or freezing keeps them fresh. I like to bake a big batch and freeze most of it.
How many treats can my dog have?
Treats, homemade or store-bought, should make up no more than about 10% of your dog's daily calories. The rest should come from a complete, balanced diet. For a small dog that might mean half a treat; for a larger dog, one or two. When you introduce any new food, start small and watch for digestive changes.
Baked treats vs. natural chews
Homemade baked treats are great for training and a little variety, but they don't give your dog the long-lasting chew that supports dental health and keeps them busy. That's where our chews come in. Everything we sell is single-ingredient and 100% natural, made from 100% real meat with no rawhide and no additives, ethically sourced from grass-fed American and Argentinean farms, and fully digestible. Our bully sticks are the classic example, and they're 100% high-quality guaranteed.
If you enjoy making treats at home, you might also like our take on peanut butter dog treats. Between a batch of homemade pumpkin treats and a stash of natural chews, your dog gets the best of both.
Frequently asked questions
Can dogs eat pumpkin every day? A small amount of plain pumpkin daily is generally fine for most dogs and can support digestion, but check with your vet if your dog has health conditions.
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned? Yes. Cooked, pureed plain pumpkin works the same as canned, as long as it's just pumpkin with nothing added.
Are these treats good for puppies? In small amounts, yes, once a puppy is eating solid food. Introduce new treats gradually.
This post was last updated at July 16, 2026 19:41
